ICC World Cup 2019: Mark Taylor Picks His Australia's XI, Usman Khawaja Omitted

With ICC World Cup 2019 around the corner, there is a lot to ponder for the defending champions Australia. They are still figuring out their best squad for the upcoming grand event. In between, the former Australian Mark Taylor picks his squad for Australia. The major surprise has been the exclusion of the last match centurion Usman Khawaja.

The flamboyant cricketer named Aaron Finch as the leader of the ship. He believes that Finch can do the job for the team at the grand event, especially, with all the resources in the ranks. Meanwhile, he also called back Steve Smith and David Warner to the side.

Aaron Finch -David Warner to open the innings:

The former cricketer picked Aaron Finch and the southpaw David Warner to open the innings for Australia. He believes that the duo will make a major impact on their presence at the top of the order. For the crucial number 3 place, he chose the former skipper Steve Smith to balance the ship.

“I have been worried about his form, but I think he is a wonderful captain who does an excellent job,” Mark Taylor said on Wide World of Sports on Sunday.

It certainly pushed Marcus Stoinis down the order. The left-handed experienced batsman Shaun Marsh will be the number 4 batsman for the side while Glenn Maxwell bagged the number 5 slot in Mark Taylor’s playing XI.

Following him, Marcus Stoinis will take the finisher role in the company with Alex Carey. The stylish southpaw will also take the wicketkeeper role for the team.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood returns:

Further, he added Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to the bowling department. Another impact player to find a place in the chart is the brilliant Pat Cummins, who is in the ominous form with the ball and bat.

The major surprise was the ouster of Adam Zampa. He picked Nathan Lyon ahead of Adam Zampa in the spin cordon. All in all, it is a decent squad with a good mix of youth and experience.

Here is Mark Taylor’s Australia’s playing XI:

Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.